Equipment and Systems Flashcards
Describe an FMS
Flight Management System
A computerised avionics tool to assist pilots in navigation, flight planning, and aircraft control functions.
What three major components is the FMS considered to be composed of?
FMC - Flight Management Computer
AFS - Auto Flight system
IRS/GPS - Navigation System
What is the function of the FMC
Compute real-time navigation information, creating a moving map display
Calculate Performance Data, to calculate the most fuel-efficient vertical path
Describe CPDLC
Controller Pilot Data Link Communications
A data link that allows for the direct exchange of text messages between controller and pilot. This improves communication capabilities in remote areas.
Is CPDLC a key feature in the future of ATM?
Yes, as a primary means for exchanging aeronautical information and delivering ATC services.
What are the benefits of CPDLC?
Printable messages to help understanding
Auto-loading of messages into the FMS reducing crew-input errors.
Downlinking of complex route requests, which ATCOs can resend when approved, reducing input errors and workload
Automatic downlinking of reports, reducing workload
Automatic updating of the Flight Data Record
What are some similarities between CPDLC and ADS-C?
Both datalink applications
Both controlled by the FMS
Both accept messages from the ground systems and return responses
Both can initiate downlink reports based on ground messages
How can the flight crew set the datalink emergency mode?
Sending of a CPDLC MAYDAY message
Selecting ADS Emergency Mode
Who can initiate and cancel datalink emergency mode?
Emergency Mode can only be initiated by the crew and can only be cancelled by the crew
Does a clearance delivered via CPDLC require a readback?
No, the only required readback is “Wilco”
Describe ACARS
Aircraft Communications, Addressing and Reporting System
A digital radio datalink system for the transmission of messages between aircraft and ground stations, that can be automatic or manual. It utilises VHF, HF and in some cases Satellite links. However, it uses the AM mode as the other is used for voice comms.
What are the three types of ACARS message?
Air Traffic Control (ATC)
Aeronautical Operational Control (AOC)
Airline Administrative Control (AAC)
What ATC type messages is ACARS often used for?
Pre-Departure Clearance
Datalink ATIS
En-route Oceanic Clearance
Describe AOC and AAC ACARS messages
Aeronautical Operational Control and Airline Administrative control messages
Used for comms between an aircraft and its base,
What are AOC/AAC type ACARS messages?
Load and Balance Sheets
Weather or NOTAM info
Aircraft Status, Position, ETA
Spot Weather Observations from Aircraft Sensors
Technical Performance Data
Catering/PRM Data
